Sunny skies set to greet opening of new soccer season in Lower Mainland

Soccer is in the air this weekend as local leagues prepare for the kickoff of their first official matches of the season. As always, a new season brings with it a certain buzz and an array of exciting new opportunities.

Many university, college, and BC Soccer adult soccer leagues commence this weekend. Some important opening matches to note:

Men’s Leagues

Vancouver Metro Soccer League kicks off their season on Saturday, September 8, at Newton Athletic Park. There will be six matches starting @ 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

CIS Canada West The local men’s university league begins in several spots tonight, September 7, including:

Rogers Field in Langley: Trinity Western vs. Lethbridge @ 7 p.m.

Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver: UBC vs. Calgary @ 7 p.m.

Centennial Stadium in Victoria: UVic vs. UNBC @ 7:15 p.m.

SFU Men’s Soccer The only Canadian school in the NCAA, SFU begin their season tonight:

Terry Fox Field in Burnaby: SFU vs. Azusa Pacific @ 7:30 p.m.

PACWEST The men’s Canadian college league have their opening matches on Saturday. Find the full schedule HERE.

Women’s Leagues

Metro Vancouver Women’s Soccer League will have Whitecaps FC U-18 Girls Elite join their Premier division this season. The 'Caps girls play their first match this Sunday, September 9, against West Coast FC Kerrisdale.

CIS Canada West The local women’s university league also begins in several spots tonight, September 7, including:

Rogers Field in Langley: Trinity Western vs. Lethbridge @ 5 p.m.

Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver: UBC vs. Calgary @ 5 p.m.

Centennial Stadium in Victoria: UVic vs. UNBC @ 7:15 p.m.

SFU Women’s Soccer Like their male counterparts, the only women’s Canadian program in the NCAA also begin their season tomorrow, Saturday, September 8:

Terry Fox Field in Burnaby: SFU vs. Academy of Art @ 7 p.m.

PACWEST The women’s Canadian college league also have their opening matches on Saturday. Find the full schedule HERE.

Whether it be making new friends, or buying new cleats, youth players are also bristling with anticipation for their new soccer seasons. Almost all BC Soccer youth leagues in the Lower Mainland are opening their season this weekend, including:

“This is a hugely exciting time for soccer in Canada following the exploits of the Canadian women’s national team at the Olympics, the men’s national team in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Whitecaps FC in their bid to secure an MLS playoff berth, and the announcement of the National Soccer Development Centre at UBC. Now, with the start of the new adult and youth soccer season in the BC Lower Mainland, BC Soccer wishes everyone involved, whether they be players, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers, all the best and that they can encourage others to get involved and enjoy this great game”

- Roger Barnes, president, BC Soccer.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC wishes the best of luck to all youth and adult teams on the start of a fantastic new season.